Many draft experts are calling Darren McFadden a carbon copy of Adrian Peterson. Some are going further than that. But regardless of how he compares to 2007’s rookie of the year, the ultimate consensus is that McFadden is a playmaker and the most electrifying player in the 2008 NFL draft.
The Jets, meanwhile, have a running game that limped through the 2007 season, ranking 28th in rushing touchdowns. The offseason addition of Thomas Jones can unofficially be considered a failed maneuver as he averages 3.6 yards per carry this season and has scored only one touchdown.
But does Eric Mangini believe the position needs improving? Not necessarily. In fact, he doesn’t mind the idea of a three-back system featuring Jones, Leon Washington, and Brad Smith.
“(Smith) broke 68 NCAA, conference and school records running that series of plays. Leon is not bad when he gets a pitch and Thomas isn’t bad in terms of an inside runner,” Mangini said.
McFadden, on the other hand, embodies the three. He has the skills to run the ball, catch the ball, and even throw a few blocks. Will the Jets be in position to select him come April?
The team is currently in a three-way tie with the Rams and Falcons, all of which have only three wins this season. While the Rams have no intentions of drafting McFadden with Steven Jackson on roster, the Falcons do have some incentive to draft the electrifying tailback. Warrick Dunn this season is averaging 3.1 yards per carry on 204 carries while the team as a whole ranks 29th in rushing touchdowns (5) and 25th in yards.
This post is tagged Darren McFadden, NFL Draft, Running Backs, Warrick Dunn
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